Lectionary
The lectionary provides the structure for our liturgical year and the scripture readings we hear in Mass. We can put the lectionary to the service of the Church's mission by recognizing how the readings and seasons correspond to our call to transform the world.
Key Insights
Plan Ahead
Looking ahead to lectionary readings (even months in advance) can help you coordinate formation efforts. Consider how you might connect preaching across multiple weeks because of how the scriptural themes connect. Or choose Gospel values or daily life topics you might explore as a parish over one or more months, incorporating preaching, bulletin inserts, small groups, or other formation opportunities. |
Quotations
The present Order of Readings for Mass, then, is an arrangement of biblical readings that provides the faithful with a knowledge of the whole of God’s word, in a pattern suited to the purpose. Throughout the liturgical year, but above all during the seasons of Easter, Lent, and Advent, the choice and sequence of readings are aimed at giving Christ’s faithful an ever-deepening perception of the faith they profess and of the history of salvation. Accordingly, the Order of Readings corresponds to the requirements and interests of the Christian people. General Introduction to the Lectionary (2nd Ed.)
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Books
Evangelization Homily Hints
Richard W. Chilson, CSP A practical, pertinent book that will be a handy addition to every preacher's library. It contains a series of brief homily reflections focusing on the theme of evangelization, particularly on the personal and parish level. These are arranged for all three cycles of the liturgical season. It is especially relevant now, with the Church's increasing emphasis on evangelization, which it has embraced wholeheartedly. Chilson is explicit about what his book looks to accomplish: "This book does not provide evangelization homilies for the lectionary. Rather it offers suggestions to teach and encourage reading the scriptures with an eye to their evangelical scope. Often it simply asks questions the scriptures raise when read from an evangelistic outlook. It provides ideas and ways you can begin transforming your parish into an evangelizing community." Although there are other books of brief homilies based on the lectionary, this is the first to focus entirely on the theme of evangelization. As such, it will be and essential tool for homilists and evangelization committees. It will also stimulate ideas in small discussion groups focusing on evangelization. (Amazon) |
Imaging the Word: An Arts and Lectionary Resource
Kenneth T. Lawrence, Ed. A unique set of three exquisite, full-color coffee-table books related to the lectionary. Developed as a primary resource for the Word Among Us curriculum, this beautiful book imaginatively blends lectionary readings with thoughtful and animating images for each Sunday of the year. Features stunning artwork from around the world. Based on the Protestant Common Lectionary, which corresponds closely to the Roman Catholic Lectionary. Guide to the Revised Lectionary
Martin Connell This book seeks to introduce the revised lectionary, placing it in our tradition of proclaiming the word of God in the assembly. (Amazon) |
Lectionary-Based Resources
- Gospel Living's reflections on the 2013 lectionary
- Stewardship By the Book: Bulletin Bits Based on the Sunday Readings - by Sharon Hueckel
- Stewardship Reflections on the Liturgy of the Word (Cycle A, Cycle B, Cycle C) - Archdiocese of Detroit
- Sustaining and Strengthening Stewardship - by James Kelley - Lists Sunday Stewardship Gospels in the third chapter for all cycles.
- Introduction to the Sacred Scriptures - very brief introductions to the 1st and 2nd readings to be read in liturgy - by Ken Untener
Organizations & Websites
- The Catholic Lectionary (Felix Just, SJ)
- Links to Lectionary Websites (Felix Just, SJ)
Related To
Preaching is obviously closely related to the lectionary readings for the week.
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The lectionary corresponds to the Church year and seasons.
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This calendar offers connections between specific lectionary readings a Gospel Living approach (mission and daily life).
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